Advice Needed on a Bike

[chrisb1357]

Hi all,

Been out of work for a year and have just been offered a new fulltime IT job which is around 3 miles by road from here or 50 min via catching 2 buses at around £8 a day so have gone for the bike option.

I do not have a car so have signed up to the local Wheels to Work scheme where they help fund towards a push bike. In return to me paying around £5 a week for 6 months they said i can pick a bike around £200 to £250 which i know is not much to get some wheels. After 6 months the bike becomes mine.

With the bike they supply the lock, high viz jacket, Lights and helmet and they have allready supplieda a book called Cyclecraft for free. they did say that i could pick my own brand of bike so i have contacted the bike shop that they use to supply the bikes and have been recommend a Hybrid Giant 22" Frame CRS4 but as i have not been in the bike scene for a few years i am not sure if this is a good one to go for or not. I also also a fairly tall guy who is 6 foot tall.

I use to ride alot a few years back then stopped so i am lookign forward to getting back into it again with cycyling to work and back each day.

The route i will be using the bike on is back lanes with around 3 to 4 hills in between. I have never cycled to work before so not sure if i need to get some extra clothing but funds are tight at the minute until first pay day.

If anyone can advise or give me any tips on the above,

Many Thanks

 

[Sam Kennedy]

A Hybrid seems to be perfect for you (Especially the Giant). You won't really need a road bike unless you have a really far commute, or want to get into the sport, and you wont need a mountain bike, unless you are going on some rough trails.

Hybrids are a combination of a road bike and mountain bike. They have flat bars, are lighter than mountain bikes, but have thinner tyres, so you can go a bit faster.

If you have a chance to try out some different hybrids, give some of them a ride, see which you feel the most comfortable on.

Hope that helps

 

[chrisb1357]

I am unable to try the ones i like the look of in the bike shop as they have to pre order them in you see. I was told a 22" frame on this bike would be ok for a 6 foot bloke.

Did not pick and MTB as was reading the cyclecraft book which says having springs when using hills can be more hard work than a bike without them.

 

[bauldbairn]

Welcome to the CC forums chrisb 1357.

Sam Kennedy is right a Hybrid should be perfect for your commute - try to get the shop to fit some tyres that have some puncture protection.

 

[addictfreak]

Sam is right about the hybrid IMHO.

3 miles by bike or 50mins on public transport! Mmmm let me think which would I prefer

Clothing wise, If money if tight I would keep my eyes on LIDL and ALDI both do good cheap cycle clothing from time to time.
You may also need to think about transporting your work clothes etc. For a short journey you could probably manage with a rucksack, or you may prefer panniers. Its personal preference really.

 

[chrisb1357]

Well do. Going to give the Wheels to work scheme a call next week see what they say. They might let me move up on the price a bit if i paid more back each month.

I am also not sure what to ware as in clothing to get to work as i dont think i should try and cycyle in my shirt and tie LOL

I think on the first day i will use the Bus. Its nice scenery as well onthe route so no point using the bus service

Chris

Welcome to the CC forums chrisb 1357.

Sam Kennedy is right a Hybrid should be perfect for your commute - try to get the shop to fit some tyres that have some puncture protection.

 

[bauldbairn]

I am unable to try the ones i like the look of in the bike shop as they have to pre order them in you see. I was told a 22" frame on this bike would be ok for a 6 foot bloke.

Did not pick and MTB as was reading the cyclecraft book which says having springs when using hills can be more hard work than a bike without them.

I've got a 22" frame Hybrid and I'm 5' 10" and I'm just big enough for it - it should be perfect for you at 6ft.
Try the Sheldon Brown website for frame/height matches although this may just confuse things.

 

[chrisb1357]

Cheers so far for the good response back from everyone.

I find with most cycyleware is that i dont fit it LOL

Chris

 

[Norm]

I'd also suggest a bike with flat bars and no suspension, although I wouldn't call it a hybrid. The CRS4 is a decent bike, I think they come with a rack and mudguards so it will make a good basis for a commuter.

Clothing is pretty flexible and depends on how susceptible to cold weather you are. I don't wear anything more than a t shirt, thin fleece and wind/waterproof, but I know others would get very cold wearing that. Use the layers principle, though, go for a few thin layers rather than trying it in one or two thick layers. Layering is better for insulation but it allows you to make fine changes as you figure out what works for you.

Cyclecraft is a good book, many here treat it with a great deal of reverence. For me, though, it's one man's opinion. You don't have to follow it to the letter, but give some thought to the points that are raised in there.

 

[chrisb1357]

One more question. I have brick shed that has a wood door on and have been looking at how secure the shed will be for the new bike when i get it. I was thinking of changing the screws for coach bolts and a washer etc on the inside but can anyone recommed a good way to secure the bike inside.

I was thinking of getting 2 anchor plate things form eaby for around £10 each and bolting them to both sides of the shed and fixing them that way.

Then to carpet the walls to protech the bike and fit another lock to the outside

Chris

 

[MacB]

Chris, I have the Giant CRS Alliance, you can see piccies in my profile albums. I'm 6'1" and got the Large frame which I believe would have been 21 or 22" at the time. I was dubious but it's been ok though I wouldn't want any smaller. The sloping top tube geometry is confusing, I also have a Crosscheck 60cm frame, pics in profile as well. So one at 21" in compact geometry and one at 23.5" in old money. Both bikes have the saddles at the same height and set back from the pedals. The reach measurements to the bars are almost identical but the giant has double the amount of seatpost that the Surly has.

Get riding and see what you need kit wise as you go along. I started out in jogging bottoms, old trainers and a mix of tops. You probably don't need much in the way of kit for 3 miles, that'll be no more than 15 minutes once you get going. Also worth seeing what you can store at work. If you can leave shoes, suit, toiletries etc then all you need each day is underwear and a shirt. One rear pannier can do all that plus a laptop, lunch and any locks you need easily.

Good luck

 

[Norm]

I'm 6'1" and got the Large frame...

But what size bike did you get? *baddum tish*

 

[MacB]

But what size bike did you get? *baddum tish*

this you taking a break from your sweating and grunting job?

 

[Norm]

 

[dynamick]

Hi Chris - I'd say a giant hybrid is a great option - I have had some seriously good service from this bike http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/giant-boulder-atb-bike-black-silver-id53914.html in an older model for the last 4 years or so........it's done me proud and I've only just got rid of it and upgraded (if I had the space I would have kept it!)

Giant's a good brand and the guys on here really do give out good advice, giving me superb advice on my recent tourer purchase.

Good luck with the bike and welcome to the forum.

Mick